In the spring of 2024, LCFS issued a call for proposals for the 2024 grant cycle. LCFS President Bruce Whittington said, “The Grants Committee considered all applications, and was so pleased with the strength of the proposals that it decided to award three grants this year.”
The Community Circles Restorative Justice Society received a grant of $600 to help fund its Village Workshop Series: Building Bridges Through Understanding the Village. CCRJS Project Director Deanna Wrate explained the project will “educate, engage and involve residents in activities and processes that seek solutions in addressing harm and conflict in their communities.”
The Other Guise Theatre Company proposed a program called Super Shorts: An Evening of Short Play Readings. Artistic and Executive Director Matthew Payne says, “By holding professional performances we hope to inspire emerging artists to strengthen their craft.” The company operates widely, but calls Ladysmith “home”, and wanted to collaborate with the Ladysmith Little Theatre to bring this program to Ladysmith. LCFS awarded a grant of $300 for the project.
The third grant was a contribution towards the renovations of the Ladysmith First United Church Hall. While the grant of $200 will benefit the members of the church, it will also help to improve an important community amenity, as the hall is used by a variety of community organizations. Church Administrator Mimi Zuyderduyn said, “The best news was that two donors came forward and offered to match the LCFS contribution, so its value was tripled!”
The grant cheques were presented at the Better Together! Volunteer Fair, which was organized by LCFS with financial assistance from Ladysmith Rotary. LCFS continues to build the Ladysmith Community Fund so that larger grants will be possible in the coming years.